Friends scheme to boost funds for Battle Festival

Battle Festival organisers have launched a friends scheme to ensure it continues to attract leading performers and artists to the town.

The Friends of Battle Festival scheme means businesses and individuals can become partners with the festival which lasts the whole of October.

The organisers failed to receive funding from Arts Council England despite securing the grant last year for the inaugural festival.

Festival chairman David Furness cannot wait for the festival to start and hopes the people of 1066 Country will support them. “These initiatives are what make Battle Festival stand out from the crowd but it all comes at an eye-watering cost which ticket prices alone could never hope to cover,” he said.

“Without major funding we need to find another way to support the event and ensure its longevity and so we’ve launched our Friends of Battle Festival scheme.

“Please consider becoming a Friend in whatever capacity you can, from individual donations to corporate sponsorship – it all really does add up and make a difference.”

The festival is funded in part by grants and donations which help keep ticket prices lower than would otherwise be possible, with a number of events available free of charge.

Keane members Tim Rice-Oxley and Tom Chaplin’s Back To Battle gig on Saturday, August 8, was in aid of the festival.

Concerts by musicians known all over the world and exhibitions by internationally-collected artists are complimented by a lively and varied Battle Fringe.

Mr Furness is convinced 1066 Country businesses can benefit from aligning their brands to the festival.

“The festival is only in its second year and is already staging events by world-class performers including a sell-out concert by Tim Rice-Oxley and Tom Chaplin of Keane, and returning to Battle again this year, Hollywood and RSC actor Anton Lesser,” he said.

“This is newsworthy and makes people sit up and listen, you can be a part of it and share our success while helping ensure the festival continues to grow year-on-year.”

The festival’s Masterclass initiative offers mentoring sessions, workshops, talks and classes by leading artists and performers.

Rachel Wilson and band Dorey the Wise secured mentoring last year from Tim and Tom and ended up supporting them at their acoustic set earlier this month.

The scheme offers packages from £35 per annum including a long term, tailored sponsorship package which can include ‘meet the artists’ events, corporate entertainment events and more.

For more information email info@BattleFestival.co.uk.

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